Stanmore library closes to relocate to community centre

THE new library for Stanmore will open on January 21 following the closure of the previous branch last Thursday. (DEC20)

The service will relocate to the Carroll Centre in nearby Somers Close.

The county council closed the Wavell Way branch as it was one of the least-used and smallest libraries in Hampshire, with an average of 106 borrowers a month. Critics said the council had through limited opening hours made closure inevitable.

Councillor Keith Chapman, county executive member for culture and recreation, said: “Stanmore library had some of Hampshire’s lowest customer numbers so by moving library services to The Carroll Centre in January, it means the community won’t lose out, and we can continue to provide residents with a local library service on their doorstep.

“The Carroll Centre is already a thriving hub for community activity so it made sense to work with them, and Winchester City Council, to find a solution that benefits everyone. As a result, the library will now move to a much busier location where it will be open many more hours per week.”

The new library services will be officially opened on January 21, by county council leader, Ken Thornber.

Subject to work being completed on the site, it is hoped that the centre may however be able to welcome library users in advance of the official opening date.

Hampshire Library Service will continue to provide the books and resources, including a self-service kiosk at The Carroll Centre so people can issue and return books themselves, but the library itself will be run by the centre.

The previous branch cost some £36,000 a year to run – or around £15 per visit. Book issues from the library have also almost halved over the last five years, while only three per cent of people who live in Stanmore borrowed from the library which is two miles from Winchester Discovery Centre.

The Carroll is open five and a half days a week, and already offers many activities including after school and holiday clubs, a children’s centre and a wide variety of courses for adults and children including IT.

Comments (2)

Obviously, it's good that the service will continue locally. However, it's a great shame that the community has lost some independence and the council has palmed-off this important service over to a church organisation that has pushed it's way into the community over the last few decades - despite no particular wish for this from the community ( hence its anti-democratic nature).This is all part of the middle class withdrawal of services for the non-middles classes.

The cost of running the service was relatively little compared to councillors wages and expenses. It seems that middle class values and responsibilities now chiefly lie in their bank accounts.It is far too easy to palm services off to private organisations than to organise and run them intelligently with the co-operation of the actual, genuine community.Why don't any councillors understand this?

Surely, an intelligent solution could have been found - with voluntary services, for example.There are plenty of unemployed or under-employed people within the community who would have contributed.

Far from empowering a community, this is just another step towards elitist control.

Obviously, it's good that the service will continue locally. However, it's a great shame that the community has lost some independence and the council has palmed-off this important service over to a church organisation that has pushed it's way into the community over the last few decades - despite no particular wish for this from the community ( hence its anti-democratic nature).This is all part of the middle class withdrawal of services for the non-middles classes.
The cost of running the service was relatively little compared to councillors wages and expenses. It seems that middle class values and responsibilities now chiefly lie in their bank accounts.It is far too easy to palm services off to private organisations than to organise and run them intelligently with the co-operation of the actual, genuine community.Why don't any councillors understand this?
Surely, an intelligent solution could have been found - with voluntary services, for example.There are plenty of unemployed or under-employed people within the community who would have contributed.
Far from empowering a community, this is just another step towards elitist control.wheresthemoneygone

I am not quite sure if wheresthemoneygone (wtmg) has quite got their facts right. The Carroll isn't a church organisation although some of the helpers are also active in the local church. Also the Centre is a very positive force for good in Stanmore and I am really disappointed that wtmg is so negative about it. I have been involved with the Centre for over 10 years and have only ever seen good things achieved.
If wtmg used the library then they were part of a very small group and knowing the Carroll Centre very well I am certain that many more books will be read because the libraries co-located. WTMG seems to have a real hang up about councilor expenses, it would be great if they stood for election and then they could show their willingness to support the community. For my first 5 years on the council I waived my allowance (approx £28k) but I only ever got a thank you from 1 person although I fully accept that you don't do the role for the money but to help the people you represent.
There are many community groups crying out for helpers so all wtmg has to do is to contact the volunteer centre run by WACA and they will direct you to a suitable not for profit group.
Roll on the revolution and the end to elitist control!!!

I am not quite sure if wheresthemoneygone (wtmg) has quite got their facts right. The Carroll isn't a church organisation although some of the helpers are also active in the local church. Also the Centre is a very positive force for good in Stanmore and I am really disappointed that wtmg is so negative about it. I have been involved with the Centre for over 10 years and have only ever seen good things achieved.
If wtmg used the library then they were part of a very small group and knowing the Carroll Centre very well I am certain that many more books will be read because the libraries co-located. WTMG seems to have a real hang up about councilor expenses, it would be great if they stood for election and then they could show their willingness to support the community. For my first 5 years on the council I waived my allowance (approx £28k) but I only ever got a thank you from 1 person although I fully accept that you don't do the role for the money but to help the people you represent.
There are many community groups crying out for helpers so all wtmg has to do is to contact the volunteer centre run by WACA and they will direct you to a suitable not for profit group.
Roll on the revolution and the end to elitist control!!!iantait